Nonsurgical Modalities that can Alleviate Low Back Pain

1. Nonsurgical Modalities that can Alleviate Low Back Pain There are effective nonsurgical treatment modalities that can ease low back pain, and improve physical function, muscle strength and quality of life. Low back pain (LBP) usually begins gradually as a dull ache and can progress to persistent pain in the bottom region of the spine. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, about 80 percent of adults experience low back pain at some point in their lifetime. Low back pain treatment in Brooklyn can address both chronic and acute pain, improve physical function, muscle strength and quality of life. Low Back Pain – Causes and Symptoms Low back pain can occur due to various reasons such as sprains and strains, intervertebral disc degeneration, herniated or ruptured discs, radiculopathy, sciatica, spondylolisthesis, traumatic injury, spinal stenosis, and skeletal irregularities. Risk factors for developing low back pain includes age, lack of regular exercise, being overweight or obese, pregnancy, genetics, occupational risks, and mental health factors. Typical symptoms include: Pain ranging from a dull ache to a shooting or stabbing sensation ▪Muscle spasm ▪Soreness upon touch ▪Pain that moves down one leg or to the groin, buttock or upper thigh ▪Stiffness and difficulty moving ▪Trouble sleeping

2. ▪Tingling or “pins-and-needles” sensations ▪Numbness and weakness Low Back Pain Treatment In multispecialty healthcare centers, experienced pain management doctors evaluate patients thoroughly and develop comprehensive treatment plans to address the root cause of back pain and provide lasting relief. They will first carry out a systematic study of the history of the pain, as well as a general, physical and neurological evaluation. Patients will be asked about the factors associated with the onset of pain, its nature and location, and any previous injuries that may have contributed to the pain. Diagnostic modalities such as x-ray and MRI may be used to identify the actual reason for the pain. Based on the evaluation, they will develop a personalized treatment plan for the patient, which would include the following modalities: ✓ ✓Hot or cold packs - This involves applying heat and cold application to the affected area. Commonly used heat and cold applications are heating pads, dry heating packs, saunas, steamed towels, moist heating packs, or hot baths, ice packs or frozen gel packs, coolant sprays, ice massage and ice baths. The treatment can ease pain and reduce inflammation. ✓ ✓Physical Therapy Exercises – These includes stretching and flexibility exercises, trunk coordination, core strengthening and endurance exercises, low-intensity and submaximal fitness. Patients may also be guided to perform exercises that will improve coordination and promote proper posture and muscle balance. ✓ ✓Medications - Medications used for treating low back pain includes over the counter (OTC) acetaminophen and aspirin, as well as prescription opioids such as codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). ✓ ✓Spinal Manipulation – Performed by chiropractors, osteopathic physicians, and physical and occupational therapists, spinal manipulation, adjustment and popping of the spinal joints can relieve pressure on joints, reduce inflammation, and improve nerve function. It also includes massage, exercise, and physical therapy. ✓ ✓Traction - This involves the use of weights and pulleys to apply constant or intermittent force to gradually pull the skeletal structure into better alignment. ✓ ✓Injections (trigger point, epidural steroid and facet joint) - Trigger point injections contains a local anesthetic or saline and may include a corticosteroid. Epidural steroid injections include both a corticosteroid (e.g., triamcinolone, methyl-prednisolone, dexamethasone) and an

3. anesthetic numbing agent (e.g., lidocaine or bupivacaine) and the facet injection includes a small mixture of anesthetic (such as lidocaine) and anti-inflammatory medication (steroid/cortisone). ✓ ✓Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) - This machine is a small, battery-operated device that has leads connected to electrodes. The pads are attached directly to the skin and the machine is switched on. Small electrical impulses will be delivered to the affected area of the body. The electrical impulses will reduce the pain signals going to the spinal cord and brain, which in turn, will relax the muscles and relieve pain. It also works to activate the production of endorphins, which are the body's natural painkillers. Lying down and avoiding overuse of your back muscles helps relieve the back pain. However, too much rest can make the back pain worse. So, after a short break, it may be advisable to get up, move around, and stretch. If the condition becomes chronic, getting proper pain management and treatment is critical to ease pain, improve mobility, and enhance quality of life. Address: 3500 Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11229 Phone: (718) 769-2521